Careful with those Air Voids Lines!

An important part of monitoring the degree of compaction of fill in earthworks projects is the measurement of in-situ dry density and then comparing the values obtained in the field to that of a maximum dry density obtained in the laboratory, usually as a percentage. For most cut and fill projects a compaction level of a minimum of 95% is usually required. It’s a simple and effective way to monitor compaction levels and we offer this everyday to our clients. One thing that is often overlooked though, and people assessing compaction level results should look out for, are those tricky air-voids lines! Or more precisely what particle density was used to plot them. Using a measured particle density, as opposed to an assumed one, will give you assurance that your air voids lines are correct and therefore your maximum dry density is correct which of course will then mean your percentage compaction values are also correct. An assumed value may give the impression that the maximum dry density has been achieved in the laboratory, but if that assumption is wrong, then so will be all your percentage compaction values. 

 

At Hixtra we recently gained UKAS accreditation for our particle density measurements so we can carry this test out in addition to maximum dry density tests to ensure the figures provided will not mean you are wrongly claiming 95% compaction when it isn’t! Please get in touch if you would like to know more.